Hugo Alves Akitaya

Hugo Alves Akitaya is an Assistant Professor at the University of Massachusetts Lowell's Computer Science Department, part of the Miner School of Computer and Information Sciences. He holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science from Tufts University (2018), an M.Eng. from the University of Tsukuba (2014), and a B.Eng. from the University of Brasília (2011). His research focuses on computational geometry, algorithms, reconfiguration, folding, and origami mathematics. He has taught courses like Algorithms (COMP 5030) and Computational Geometry (COMP 5800) at UMass Lowell.

Key research interests include reconfiguration algorithms, discrete and computational geometry, graph drawing, and applications in origami mathematics. His work often explores geometric optimization, motion planning, and topological algorithms. Notable collaborations include projects with Erik Demaine, Csaba Tóth, and Diane Souvaine.

Awarded the Loevner Fellowship (2016-2017) and LASPAU scholarship, Akitaya has contributed over 15 peer-reviewed articles, with recent focus on graph embeddings, polygon reconstruction, and folding complexity. His research bridges theoretical foundations with practical applications in robotics and geometric mechanisms.

Akitaya's academic journey includes postdoctoral work at Carleton University (advised by Prosenjit Bose) and Tufts University (advised by Diane Souvaine). He actively participates in conferences like SODA, GD, and SoCG. Beyond academia, he is an enthusiast of origami, showcasing works in exhibitions and contributing original designs.